Redevelopment is a ubiquitous term in Memphis right now. Major projects such as the Crosstown Concourse and ServiceMaster’s new headquarters are located well within the city limits, but according to Ellen Dunham-Jones, that is only just one piece of the puzzle.

Jim Steffen is pedaling harder this year. The proprietor of The Bikesmith – an operation that includes a truck that doubles as a mobile bike shop and a retail presence inside a converted auto garage at 509 N. Hollywood St. – is making good on his ambition to do more this year.

“Take That For Data” may be the rallying cry for the rest of the NBA playoffs around here. And look for an off-the-chart crowd reaction Thursday when Grizz coach David Fizdale takes his place courtside. The Grizz' loss to the Spurs in Game 2 Monday in San Antonio prompted a post-game statistics-laden tirade by Fizdale about officiating of the game that concluded with Fizdale saying “take that for data” –the closest thing to profanity in the entire rant.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute African-American Male Initiative Symposium will be held Wednesday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the University of Memphis’ University Center Bluff Room, 499 University St., room 304. The symposium will feature national and local efforts to increase positive educational and social outcomes for African-American males. Free and open to the public. Visit memphis.edu/benhooks for details.

Three women who have made huge contributions to local women and families will be honored at the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) 2017 Annual Tribute Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

Shelby County commissioners took a hard line Monday, April 17, on increasing the share of county government contracts for minority and locally owned businesses now that it has a plan for tackling a documented disparity for such contracts.

Every player is on his own timetable. No matter the position he plays, no matter when and where he was drafted. Memphis Redbirds third baseman Patrick Wisdom, 25, came into the St. Louis Cardinals’ system with high – fast-track – expectations. Selected in the supplemental first round (52nd overall) of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Mary’s College, Wisdom was tabbed by Baseball America as the 71st best overall prospect.

A coalition of 13 organizations and 17 citizens, including Shelby County Schools board chairman Chris Caldwell and state Reps. Raumesh Akbari and G.A. Hardaway, are calling on Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland to include at least $10 million in funding for schools in the budget he takes to the Memphis City Council next week.

The state Senate has approved legislation enabling the Memphis City Council to consider an ordinance to create a new hotel/motel tax of no more than an aggregate of 5 percent to go toward the city-owned Memphis Cook Convention Center.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Speaker Beth Harwell is calling on her Republican colleagues to show civility as the Tennessee House prepares for a contentious vote Wednesday on Gov. Bill Haslam's transportation funding proposal.

John Paul Shaffer recently was named executive director of BLDG Memphis, the rebranded entity that brings the Community Development Council of Greater Memphis and Livable Mem-phis under a single organizational identity.

Nearly every growing company faces a phenomenon – at multiple points in its growth trajectory – where the leadership team feels stuck, growth stalls or halts, and everything starts to feel complex. The strategies of the past that served them so well are no longer working. Revenue has plateaued and frustration is creeping into the organization.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Facebook wants you to sit in your bedroom wearing a headset and take a virtual vacation with faraway friends and family. Or use your smartphone's camera to spruce up your dinky apartment, at least virtually.